Fred Willard arrested for lewd conduct

Actor Fred Willard, perhaps best-known as a dog-show announcer in the movie “Best in Show,” has been arrested on suspicion of committing a lewd act at a Hollywood adult theater. Los Angeles police Sgt. Mark Ro says uniformed vice officers were conducting a routine investigation of the theater shortly before 9 p.m. Wednesday and saw Willard engaging in a lewd act.

Matt Sayles/The Associated Press archiveFred Willard, who starred in such films as 'Best in Show' and 'Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy,' was arrested in a Hollywood theater July 18, 2012, on suspicion of engaging in a lewd act, police said Wednesday.

He says Willard appeared to be alone.

The 72-year-old actor was booked at the Hollywood police station on suspicion of committing a lewd act in public. Ro says Willard was released after midnight without posting bail.

Willard was nominated four times for Emmys for guest roles on TV’s “Modern Family” and “Everybody Loves Raymond.” He also has appeared in other Christopher Guest mockumentary films, including “This is Spinal Tap” and “Waiting for Guffman.”